Top 10 Best Reviewed Chalk Bags - Buyers Guide 2018

As a climber, you probably know all to well that chalk bags aren't all the same. Some feels great to use, while others have openings that are too small or annoying decorations that get in the way while climbing.

At the same time, the quality of the bags aren't all the same. It therefore pays to spend some time checking the different brands and models, so you can end up choosing a great bag!

To help you choose, we have checked 689 reviews to find the best reviewed chalk bags.

Check out the top 10 list below - and the top 3 most popular chalk bags, if you just want to check out some of the most popular models (the models that most people end up buying).

How we rate the bags

We have checked hundreds of reviews, so we can show you the weighted average rating of all the bags.

Using the average ratings, you can check what all the reviewers think instead of just viewing the subjective opinion of one specific reviewer.

Whether you on a climbing wall or trying to scale the rocks out in nature, the one thing that you can’t do without is chalk. So, by that logic, you desperately need a chalk bag to make sure that you get the right amount of chalk when you need it. Chalk bags, though, are in a league of their own and you will need a little help to figure out which one you should invest in.

Well, we put together a guide to help you find the answers to all of these questions that you may have about chalk bags. Armed with the right information, you will be able to find just what you need. Read this article to get an in-depth look at this type of bag.

While you may have given a lot of thought to the type of chalk that you take with you on your climbing adventures, you may have spared less attention to your chalk bag. After all, a bag is a bag, right? Well, when it comes to chalk bags, this is simply not the case. You need a bag that will suit your climbing location, style, and even your physique! If this seems like too much of information for you to take in, don’t worry. Here you will be able to find an easier way to decide on which chalk bag is best suited to your requirements:

Chalk Bag Types

Climbing chalk bag types come in two shapes and they are each suited for a different purpose and activity. They are:

Cylindrical bags: as the name implies, these bags are elongated and in the shape of a cylinder. This structure gives them a larger reservoir which is why they are often used on longer climbs.

Tapered bags: these bags have a more tapered end which means that they can’t hold as much chalk. The main advantage of these bags is that they will allow for technical moves without spilling over.

Chalk Bag Sizes

One of the next things that you will need to think about is the size of your chalk bag. Chalk bags are available in small, standard, and buckets. The small refers to the tiniest of the bag sizes. It is carried around your waist while rock climbing. These bags are so small that oftentimes, you can’t fit in more than the top half of their hands.

The standard size tends to be more common although it, too, is worn around your waist while climbing. Here, you are able to fit your whole hand in and as such are able to get even your arms coated in chalk if needed.

The bucket is the largest of the bunch. Also known as a clay pot, this is essentially a community bouldering chalk bag. It is kept on the ground and can be used by numerous people at once.

Chalk Bag Materials

The material that the chalk bag is made of plays a rather important role in your decision as well. This is because the fabric that it is constructed from will determine just how durable the bag actually is. The most common materials used for this purpose are nylon and canvas.

Nylon

The main perks of using nylon bags are that the material is lightweight and also quite durable. This way, you will be able to carry a larger amount of chalk with you and not feel the weight as much. If you are looking to make a serious investment and want a chalk bag that will really last you a while, you should look for one that is made from rip-stop nylon fabric. This material is abrasion resistant which makes it quite tough. At the same time, should a rip appear in the bag, this fabric is able to stop it from spreading.

Canvas

Canvas, too, is quite strong and sturdy which makes it a good choice for rough terrain. At the same, it requires thicker fibers to achieve this level of strength and so can be a tad heavier to carry. Typically, canvas absorbs moisture very quickly but if you opt for a bag that is made from waxed canvas, then you will be able to protect your chalk from moisture as well.

Other Materials

Chalk bags can be made of plenty other materials such as polyester and leather. Prior to choosing bags that are made from this type of fabric, make certain that they are able to match up to your personal requirements. Typically, bags made from leather are often used as buckets since they can’t withstand too much of wear and tear.

The Lining

The one thing that you should check for inside your chalk bag is a lining. This lining is mostly made up of fleece and is used because of its softness. The lining of the bag holds onto the chalk powder which makes it easier for you to spread it more evenly on your hands.

Rim and Closure Features

Without a doubt, you will need to look for a chalk bag that has a stiffened rim. This keeps the bag open for as long as you need it and makes it easy for you to dip in, whenever you need it. The feature eliminates a lot of hassle while you are climbing.

The closures on your chalk bag are also incredibly important. After all, these are what will determine whether or not you get chalk on everything that you own. Hands down, the most commonly utilized closure is the drawstring cord and the toggle. The string can be pulled to clinch the mouth shut and to keep it secured. It is also relatively easy to open up the bag again.

There are some manufacturers that have come up with closures that are different to this traditional feature. From twist tops to clic clac closures, there are now more options available to you. If you really want to minimize the amount of mess that you make though, you should look for dustproof closures.

Chalk Bag Attachment System

The first question that you will need to ask yourself when deciding on an attachment system is how you want to carry your chalk bag. Do you want to carry it around your waist and easily move it from the back to the front and vice versa? Do you want to carry other gear and have your chalk bag among them? Or, do you want to attach your chalk bag to your harness?

If you want to carry your bag so that you can easily move it around while you are climbing, then you need a bag with a belt attached. The belt is fixed around your waist and you can just bring the bag to the front when you need it and then move it right back again when you don’t.

If you want to carry your bag on a gear loop or want to attach it to a harness, look for a chalk bag that has sizable loops attached to the rim. You will use these loops to string the bag onto the harness or gear belt.

Chalk Bag Storage

Now, chalk isn’t the only thing that you need while on a rock climbing mission, although it is quite important. As a rule of thumb, seasoned climbers know not to leave chalk behind as they scale a slope. It is considered bad form and simply shouldn’t be done. This is why you need to carry a brush with you whenever you go climbing. Thus, for easy access, you should consider chalk bags with loops where you can place your brush while you are climbing.

There are some climbers who wish to take slightly larger items with them. If you don’t mind carrying a bit of additional weight, look for chalk bags that have exterior pockets. Although they aren’t too big, you should be able to fit keys and perhaps even a phone in there.

Chalk Bag Appearance

Chalk bags don’t just have to be about function anymore. These days, you are able to find bags that come in all sorts of colors and many have prints and patterns on them as well. There are even plush options with funny faces and more. So, don’t feel the need to stick with something somber or boring, simply because you feel that you have to.

What Type of Chalk Bag is Right for You?

In the end, it is only you who can really decide which size and shape are right for you. However, there are a few guidelines that can help you to make this decision:

If you are a beginner, you should try to carry as little weight as you can as this will making climbing easier for you. This is why a small chalk bag will often be more suitable for you. This type of chalk bag is also a great choice for climbing walls.

Now, of course, a small bag will only really work if you have small hands that can fit into the tiny opening. If you can’t get your hand through properly, you should look for a large chalk bag. The perk of a bigger bag is that you will also be able to carry more chalk with you.

Believe or not, how much you sweat will also have an impact on the type of bag that you buy. If you tend to sweat quite a bit, you will need a chalk bag with a larger opening. This will allow you to dip into your stash quickly and with less hassle.

Assessing Your Chalk Bag

It is imperative that you test out your chalk bag before you go climbing with it. The last thing that you need to do is to struggle midair trying to get the bag to work for you. So, the first thing you will need to do is to attempt to slide your hand into the chalk bag. With the smallest bag, you should be able to fit in at least three or four fingers. In standard bags, you should be able to place your entire hand in the bag.

The other thing that you should test out is how easy you find it to open and close the chalk bag. This will determine how quickly you can get to your chalk in a pinch. Try to get to the chalk with just one hand to see whether it is a feasible move or not.

So now you understand all of the factors that you have to consider when choosing a chalk bag for yourself.